“I just felt a calling to support doctors,” says Kim Downey movingly. “And so that’s what I do all day, everyday. I try to find ways to support doctors.”

In a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Lara Salyer, Kim Downey, Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward and a three-time cancer survivor, shares her mission to combat burnout in the healthcare system. Triggered by the tragic loss of her radiologist, Kim’s journey highlights the profound impact of burnout and grief within the medical community.

Kim discusses her initiatives, including her YouTube channel, Stand Up For Doctors, and her role in Medicine Forward, to build a supportive community for physicians. She emphasizes the power of gratitude, small acts of autonomy, and the importance of meaningful connections to address systemic issues in healthcare.

Dr. Salyer and Kim advocate for integrating physician coaching and creative outlets as essential tools for sustaining well-being. They call for recognizing burnout signs and seeking support through community and creative activities, aiming to restore autonomy and the sacred doctor-patient relationship.

This episode of The Catalyst offers insightful strategies for healthcare professionals to achieve well-being and resilience, emphasizing the importance of community, creativity, and support.

Quotes

• “I had an incredible radiologist who performed a couple feats of miraculous technical skill on me. He was amazing. After two years of constant medical issues, I showed up for what I thought was going to be my first routine imaging visit. And when I got there, he wasn’t there. I asked where he was and they said that he died a month ago. I asked what happened and they said the family hasn't shared that… I knew at that moment that he must have taken his own life, and I found out that that was the case. After that, I just felt a calling to support doctors. And so that’s what I do all day, everyday. I try to find ways to support doctors.” (03:31 | Kim Downey) 

• “You need to check in with yourself. Am I hungry? Am I prioritizing rest and all of those things and not suppressing your own really basic needs?” (20:18 | Kim Downey) 

• “What would you change about the typical day in a physician right now? Well, basically just restoring their autonomy and letting them be able to have more time with patients because that sacred doctor-patient relationship is the key to everything. And I’m involved with Medicine Forward now, the organization. I’m the community ambassador, so I welcome new members. That’s what we talk about over and over again—the sacredness. And what we’re trying to do is restore the sacred doctor-patient relationship.” (22:09 | Dr. Lara Salyer & Kim Downey) 

Links

Connect with Kim Downey:

Website: kimdowney.org

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@StandupforDoctors

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-downey-a9307b72/

Connect with Lara: 

Website: https://drlarasalyer.com

The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst

Instagram: @drlarasalyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer

Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer

TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm